Gus Hamlin: This Pirate's a highlight reel

Granbury High School senior Gus Hamlin knows what he wants out of life, and he’s prepared to use football as a vehicle to get him there.

The Pirates’ savvy linebacker was approached about playing offense and scored his first-ever high school touchdown in Granbury’s season opener against Fort Worth Paschal this year.

“Scoring my first touchdown was extremely exciting. I have made some good plays on defense, but there’s really nothing like scoring a touchdown,” Hamlin said.

It’s been such a good feeling Hamlin has repeated it six times and has three multiple touchdown reception games for the Pirates this season. His debut was a highlight reel in itself as he recorded six receptions for 180 yards and two scores. One of those touchdowns was juggled three times before Hamlin tucked it away.

Against Fort Worth South Hills, Hamlin beat a receiver to the ball from his linebacker spot and one-handed an interception in front of the Homecoming crowd. He would also have two catches on offense, too – both for touchdowns. Hamlin’s 14 catches have produced 280 yards and a spectacular average of a touchdown every other catch for seven scores.

REACTIONARY PLAYER

What does Hamlin think about when he’s in the middle of a big play?

“It’s pretty reactionary. I don’t ‘think’ while I am playing football. I think all week in practice and train for what I have to do; when the game comes around, I just kind of read the offense and react, Hamlin said.

Switching to a new position or, in this case, adding a new role can be confusing at times. Hamlin has taken what he is learning at wide receiver and is building his defensive skills from his education on offense.

“I am much better now at pass coverage since I know what a receiver is looking for and trying to do,” Hamlin said.

The football field isn’t the only place Hamlin has shown his ability to learn quickly, and his classroom work has drawn the attention of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

A COUPLE OF PROSPECTS

“I have a couple of prospects. I’m trying to become a doctor, so I am trying to get into some medical programs, especially the one at Tech (in Lubbock), and MIT is recruiting me for football,” Hamlin said. “Science is my favorite subject. I like chemistry, biology, all of those classes.”

Hamlin’s looking for a school with a medical program because he has plans to become a dermatologist. He has also shown he can make transitions.

This is Hamlin’s first full year in Granbury after moving from Waco last October with his parents, Steven and Teri Hamlin, and his younger sisters Ella and Kate.

Playing at Midway High School, Hamlin had been exposed to the mindset of single-role playing on the football field.

“They (GHS coaches) asked me if I wanted to play on both sides of the ball, and it was a pretty foreign concept to me,” Hamlin said. “Everybody at my old school had played exclusively one way. I was very surprised that they asked me to play both ways, but I was very welcome to the idea of me playing wide receiver.”

PLAYING WITH JINKERSON

What’s it like playing for a quarterback like Austin Jinkerson?

“While he’s the only quarterback I’ve played with on offense, I can tell him he’s the best quarterback I’ve ever played on the team with. I’m very glad that I get to play receiver when he is the one throwing the ball to me. He’s a great quarterback who can scramble and create extra time. That gives me more of an opportunity to make a play,” Hamlin said.

Transferring to Granbury also allowed Hamlin to experience a football program with an approach he hadn’t been exposed to before.

“I don’t mean this a slight in any way to my old coaches, but I have never been in a football program where there is so much encouragement,” Hamlin said. “Coach (Chad) Zschiesche is very different than other coaches I have played under, and it starts with his encouragement, and he cares about us as people.”

A LITTLE FUN

Seeking to throw a curveball at this quick-thinking Granbury senior, we pitched a unique question.

There will be a Zombie Apocalypse in three days. Pick three of your teammates as your “go-to team,” and why are you picking them?

“I will take Austin Jinkerson, Dereck Lacy and Dustin Jones because all those guys are tough as nails, and I feel like there’s not much that we can’t do together,” Hamlin said.

Russell@hcnews.com | 817-573-7066 Ext. 231